“One other thing I want you to remark. These three young ladies, by their ability, and the success which is the fruit only of faithful study, have done more for women’s advancement than has been accomplished for years.
“A man who is a successful architect occupies an important and proud position; that a woman can do the same is no small help in the struggle she is now making.
“I recommend them to you as examples, particularly as I know there are a number among you who will not be content to let graduation from this school end your educational life.
“The next I shall read you is a notice of women as journalists:—
“‘Let me give you a fact about women as journalists in my own office,’ said the editor of one of the largest dailies to me a few days ago.
“‘Five years ago I employed one woman on my staff, to-day I have over twenty, and the best work which appears in our papers is from the pen of women writers. Of course you cannot give women all sorts of commissions; but if I want a really conscientious piece of work done nowadays, I give it to one of our women. I find absolutely they do their work more thoroughly than do the men.’
“Young ladies, it has always been complained of 255 women that, though they are quicker, guided by instincts that act promptly and for the greater part correctly, they are not patient or thorough. Now, as I have told you so often that it must sound trite to you to have me repeat it, it is only patient thoroughness that wins. I am glad to have this editor of one of our largest dailies give this indubitable testimony that we can be thorough if we will. For those of you who neither wish nor expect to continue study any further, I will read the opportunity offered for a bucolic life:—
“‘Miss Antoinette Knaggs, a young woman with a good collegiate education, owns and manages a farm of two hundred acres in Ohio. She says she made money last year, and expects to make more this year. “I have tried various ways of farming,” she says, “but I find I can get along best when I manage my farm myself. I tried employing a manager, but I found he managed chiefly for himself. Then I sub-let to tenants, and they used up my stock and implements, and the returns were unsatisfactory. So I have taken the management into my own hands, planting such crops as I think best, and I find I am a very good farmer, if I do say it myself.’”
“Said the daughter of a New Hampshire farmer to me a few days ago,” continued Miss Ashton, “‘When my father died my mother took the control of our whole large farm into her own hands. She managed so well that we have sold our farm and 256 moved down to suburban Boston, where we can command the literary advantages she has taught us not only to prize but to love.’ The collegiate education fitted Miss Knaggs to be a better, wiser farmer. I hope if it shall be the choice of any of you, you will find yourself abler for your life here.”
“I am sure we shall,” thought a Dakota young lady, whose father’s broad ranch covered many a goodly acre, and whose secret wish had always been to own a ranch of her own.